A couple is facing charges for allegedly subjecting their children to severe neglect, with a law enforcement official labeling it as one of the most egregious cases they have encountered.

Amberly Britton and Mark Myers are accused of locking up their three children, depriving them of food, and forcing them to fend for themselves, among other disturbing allegations of abuse. The children were reportedly so hungry that they resorted to breaking into locked cabinets for food and endured physical punishment after vomiting from hunger, as per law enforcement reports.

Following a lengthy investigation prompted by one child attending school with a serious injury that went untreated, Britton and Myers were arrested. Authorities discovered deplorable living conditions in the family’s Missouri home, including extreme clutter, strong urine odors, and lack of basic necessities like bedding and clean dishes.

The couple purportedly installed locks on kitchen cabinets and the refrigerator to control the children’s food intake. Despite multiple attempts to rectify the hazardous environment, no significant improvements were made, with the adults allegedly being uncooperative and failing to comply with drug testing.

The children disclosed being frequently locked in their room, forced to care for themselves, prepare meals, and get ready for school independently while the adults were neglectful. They also reported instances of physical abuse, such as being struck with objects and restrained inside the home.

The unsanitary and uninhabitable conditions inside the house led to the parents being charged with drug trafficking and endangering the welfare of a child. Amberly and Myers are currently in custody on substantial bail amounts. Detective Sgt. Brian Adelsberger described the case as one of the most severe instances of neglect and psychological harm he has encountered.